Lesson 9:Ascertaining Bible Authority…By Direct Statement

1. This is a tremendously important matter!a. Unless we know how God (or the Bible) authorizes, we cannot

be sure about anything we do or say in the realm of religion.b. Consider the Bible examples listed on page 25.c. If I can do these things, and if I must do these things—how can

I know that I can and how can I know that I must?d. If I cannot do these things, and if I must not do these things—

how can I know that I cannot or must not?e. How do we decide? f. How do we ascertain Bible authority for matters today?

Ascertaining Bible Authority

2. Sound principles of Biblical interpretation are demanded by logical premise.a. If man is made such that he seeks God, then a special

revelation from God is necessary.b. If there is a special revelation, then it would be written, oral or

“straight to the heart.”c. If it is written, it would be objective.d. If it is objective, then it would be propositional.

i. It would be written in sentences which can be understood.

e. If it is propositional, then principles of Biblical interpretation apply.

Ascertaining Bible Authority

3. Propositional revelation stipulates certain principles of interpretation.a. The terms “a priori” and “a posteriori” are used in philosophy

to distinguish two different types of knowledge, justification or argument.i. A priori (meaning “from what comes before” or “from first principles

but before experience”) indicates knowledge that is known independently of experience.

ii. A posteriori (meaning “from what comes later” or “after experience”) knowledge is dependent upon and proven by experience.

Ascertaining Bible Authority

3. Propositional revelation stipulates certain principles of interpretation.b. A priori – If propositional revelation is the case, then the

following hermeneutical principles are expected (known prior to and independently of experience).i. Direct Statements would be expected.ii. Implication would be expected.iii. Expediency would be expected.iv. Accounts of Action in History would be expected.

c. A posteriori – These expected hermeneutical principles are confirmed (and found through experience) in Scripture.

Ascertaining Bible Authority

4. The Bible authorizes today through:a. Direct Statementb. Implicationc. Expediencyd. Account of Approved Action

Ascertaining Bible Authority